January blues

It's been a tough week, I'm not going to pretend. Not quite enough to cloud my enthusiasm for this new year but still - it hasn't been easy. I haven't slept much (having fallen victim to the 3am racing mind thing that periodically haunts me), my back's sore (my own fault for spending too long at the computer and slouching), the weather's been grim and Joe has been a bit of a nuisance for the past couple of days. It could be down to teething. Or maybe he's just trying it on. I suspect the latter.

Lucky for him he's so cute.

So I've moved the computer to the kitchen table for now. So much more comfortable than trying to type at the sideboard. Weekend's almost here (it felt as though it would never come) and we're off to Lancashire tomorrow for the usual fruit and veg haul and - fingers crossed - a nice family walk.

I'm going to pay the butcher a visit too as I've decided to try at least one new recipe a week. I'm one of those people who has a collection of lovely cookbooks but uses only one or two. Basically, I'm a sucker for a nice cover and pretty photographs. So last night I dusted off Piri Piri Starfish and Venezia (both Tessa Kiros) and we're having piri piri chicken and pasta e fagioli. That's two new recipes - go me!

As for the sleeplessness... well, a hot bath is in order and there'll be a nightcap as well. Most probably Krupnik, the Polish honey liqueur. Tastes like firewater but hopefully it should do the trick.

Little Mr Difficult will be up against two of us, too. Monday to Friday it's me dealing with him but Jay's home soon and sometimes it's just such a relief to know I'm not doing it all on my own. We're thinking of maybe heading out on Saturday night to see a film - the Walter Mitty one (I heard the opening credits alone are pretty impressive).

There's something about it being One of Those Weeks which makes the approaching weekend seem all the more welcome. Good food, fresh air, family... just what's needed.

Oh, and I'm knitting too. It helps :)